Varieties of embodiment in cognitive science. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alessandroni, Nicolás
• Is Part Of: Theory & psychology. Volume 28:Number 2(2018:Apr.)
• Page Start: 227
• Page End: 248
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: body -- cognitive science -- embodiment -- epistemological hypothesis -- research programmes; Psychology -- Periodicals; 150.1
• DOI: 10.1177/0959354317745589
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-3543

Abstract

This article presents an epistemological multilevel analysis of the embodied cognition studies' programme. It is proposed that within the cognitive-embodied type it is possible to find at least four distinct hypotheses regarding the role of the body in human cognition: (a) body-in-action hypothesis, (b) extended body hypothesis, (c) ecological body hypothesis, and (d) body-as-a-physical-datum hypothesis . The foundations of these hypotheses and some philosophical debates underlying embodiment are discussed in-depth. After briefly addressing the key contributions of social embodied theories, the article presents a hierarchical model that allows for the analysis of the epistemological consequences derived from each embodiment conception. Finally, a prospective epistemological criticism is introduced to provide a comprehensive and contemporary overview of the issue.